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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



ELFLORA 



OF THE 



SUSQUEHANNA 



A POEM. 



BY 

C. HARLAN, M.D. 



IjVo 



PHILADELPHIA : 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, 

By J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 

1879. 



It 






COPYRIGHT, 1879, BY C. HARLAN, M.D. 



PREFACE. 



The following Poem, excepting a few verses, was 
written more than forty years ago. 

Why was it not then published? The reason was, 
the author would not spare the means, at that early 
day, to bring out the work in a handsome and at- 
tractive form. Hence it was laid away and the time 
of its appearance indefinitely postponed. But now 
my gray hairs remind me that ere long I shall be 
called upon to experience the grandest event in hu- 
man life — the departure of my soul to a more glo- 
rious home — and that it is time to put my affairs 
in order for the change. Large piles of letters and 
papers must be burned, or disposed of in some oth- 

s 

er way. And at last I must decide what I will do 
with the manuscript of Elflora of the Susque- 
hanna. 



PREFACE. 



It must be destroyed or published. I cannot bear 
to leave it to the tender mercy of some disinterest- 
ed person. It might fall into the hands of a lit- 
erary pirate, or it might be brought out in a gar- 
bled edition — a disgrace to the author and an insult 
to the heroine. Then burn the poem ! No, I will 
not. It shall be published, out of regard to that 
beautiful and pure being whose history I have at- 
tempted to portray. 

The scenes, the characters, interested my boyhood. 
The events were engraven upon my heart. I loved 
them as we cherish the idols of other days. Then 
why not preserve them in poetry ? Yes, Elflora ! for 
thy sake alone I endeavored well to do it. Thou 
wert ever fond of the voice of the Muse, and, 
though the world may neglect thee, in the homes 
and the hearts of a few, if possible, thou shalt be 
enshrined for ever. 



Elflora of the Susquehanna. 



CANTO THE FIRST. 



I. 



r I THOUGH cool the morns, though fresh the winds 

-^ at play, 

Though mild the warmth that blooms the blush of May, 

Throughout all Nature hath a change begun, 

The forest shades proclaim the Spring hath come ; 

The watchful birds December winds had driven 

To seek in torrid lands a snowless heaven, 

With cheerful song now hail the halcyon hours, 

A home shall greet them wreathed in fruits and flowers. 
i* 5 



ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 



II. 

By Susquehanna's waves, that brightly sweep 

Her hundred hills enlightened freemen keep, 

Secluded stands a mansion, mouldering on 

In shade and moss through shining seasons gone. 

The verdant lawns, expanding far and wide, 

The groves, the vales, that fringe the crystal tide, 

The distant forests, piled along the sky, 

Majestic oaks, in opening vistas nigh, 

The wooded highlands, capt with granite towers, 

The gushing fountains, wildering greenwood bowers 

Around the dwelling, — ever please the eye 

With rural Nature's rich variety. 

And in that mansion — in the library hall, 

Where old engravings crown the faded wall, 

Where books and paintings, pebbles rare, and flowers, 

Betray the ramblings far, the well-spent hours — 



CANTO THE FIRST. 

Elflora sits alone. This spring-like day 
She seems amused with some old English lay ; 
But now, attracted to the window nigh, 
She looks intently on the clearing sky — 
On white-blue mist just mantling o'er the vale, 
On dazzling dewdrops loosed by breeze nor gale, 
On river sparkling, as it passed in view, 
With stars the sunlight o'er its surface threw, 
And, roused and listening, every feature flush'd, 
Her joyous thoughts in fervent language gush'd : 
" O brilliant hour ! enrapturing morn ! 
Upon thy fragrant airs are sweetly borne 
Birds' warbling melodies ; and, soft and clear, 
The purling of the fountains greets my ear. 
Ye little fragments of a broken storm 
That pass along the sky, and, changing, form 
A thousand shapes that catch the burning ray, 
And shining, silver-fringed, float far away ! 



8 



ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 



Oh, see ye not yourselves in yonder stream 

Now mirrored bright in morning's hallowed beam ? 

Those placid waters image back the sky, 

The beetling crags, the deep-green laurels nigh ; 

And this dark forest, now in sombre gloom, 

Which is to me more dear than gay saloon, 

Unrivalled beauties paint its vernal shades, 

Wave o'er the cliffs, and deck its sunless glades, 

Invite the weary to its peaceful groves, 

Instruct the curious and the sad compose. 

Though ever lovely, I rejoice to see 

Its wildwood blossoms bloom once more for me." 



III. 

'Twas thus Elflora spoke ; then from the door 
She lightly stepped, array'd to seek the shore. 
The lawn she cross'd, the craggy steep descends, 
Through laurel winds, and treads the deepening glens 



CANTO THE FIRST. 



Where towering oak and lofty ash unite 

Their clouding limbs that half exclude the light — 

Where wary huntsmen find their noblest game — 

Where prowling wolf and wild deer oft are slain, 

She wanders on, delighted thus to roam 

Through rugged Nature far from friends and home. 

She reach'd at last a lone and blest retreat, 

A favorite grove, adorn'd by rustic seat, 

By blooming rose and vine transplanted there 

With taste, that left unchanged its rural air. 

The wild clematis twined its whitening globes, 

The opening violets spread their purple robes, 

The drooping bowers, the vines that clustering hung 

Thick wreaths of tendrils pendent boughs among, 

And beech and deep-green cedar, wide display'd 

In sombre arclfes, cast around dark shade 

So dense the day-beams there but faintly shone, 

Mild tinging leaves by other seasons strown. 



IO 



ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 



A foaming stream, that in its blithesome play- 
Like night-stars dazzled as it dash'd away, 
Refresh'd the grove, enlivening every bloom, 
And, gently whispering, broke the silent gloom. 



IV. 

The maiden sat, in loosen'd robes attired, 
Her features flush'd, her youthful beauty fired. 
The fix'd and changeless gaze her looks disclose, 
The pensive mood, the posture of repose, 
The eye upraised, the pleasant, cloudless smile, 
Almost reveal the thoughts her hours beguile. 
What manly form, advancing, cross'd the glade ? 
His careless steps these quiet scenes invade ; 
Abruptly turning, with unerring eye 
Finds the grove-path and treads it hurriedly. 
His handsome features and the noble air, 
The mental beauty brightly written there, 



CANTO THE FIRST. 



I I 



His light and lofty bearing, and his dress 

In unison with all his looks express, 

Proveth, as far as outward sign will show, 

That youth hath seldom warr'd with toil or woe. 

Kindly received, and standing by her side, 

To hurried question he had scarce replied 

In guarded language, ere the gentle maid 

A strange unquiet in her looks betrayed. 

The rose, the color, from her features fled, 

A fearful paleness o'er her beauty spread, 

Too like the snows a north cold blast will fling 

O'er blossoms rich, the first young bloom of Spring. 

Impatiently she gazed above, around, 

The swaying trees now wake a startling sound. 

Another steadfast and more searching glance 

Calm and convince her that no foes advance, 

And yet how low she breathes each whispered word, 

As if perchance her language might be heard ! — 



12 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

" Can it be true, and not an idle tale, 
That he hath come — hath even made this vale 
His home and shelter, his secure retreat — 
And blasted honor hath declined to meet ?" 

" His person, ay, his deeds," replied the youth, 

" Are known too well, and that may be the truth. 
Last eve a huntsman, passing noiseless here, 
Beheld a being, and approached so near, 
Though moonlight only, he observed him well, 
And knew the man : he says it was Marcel !" 

" Kind language, Clifton, for a friendless ear ! 
And uttered, doubtless, to augment my fear; 
And would, indeed, could I those words believe ; 
But human vision objects may deceive 
At night, when shadows so perplex the eye 
That one well known might pass, if silent, by. 
Did he accost him ?" — " No ; he only saw 
The darken'd outlines of the wild outlaw. 



CANTO THE FIRST. 1 3 

Who that hath seen him could forget his form, 
His pallid features, and his eye of scorn 
That brooks no equal, and reverts its gaze 
When friendship, greeting, but a smile displays ? 
Though true that two long years have pass'd away 
Since he left here in foreign lands to stay, 
Deem not such love as he reveal'd to thee 
Could leave you always undisturb'd near me." 

V. 

Elflora shuddered, and in thoughtful gaze 

Recall'd to view the scenes of other days, 

Before her beauty far was famed or known, 

When none but Marcel sought her highland home, 

And felt the fulness of that quenchless fire 

Which lives consuming, though all hopes expire — 

When her dear father, with prophetic care, 

Had marked the youth and bid his child beware ; 

2 



14 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

With anxious pathos breathed it in his prayer, 

Then passed away. His words live keenly there. 

In silent anguish mourn the fatal hour 

Thy beauty's artless art displayed such power ! 

Keen be thy sorrow, pure and lonely one ! 

To parent's will thy mind could not succumb. 

VI. 

" I blame not others," she at last replied ; 

" The imprudence mine, whatever ills betide. 
So unsuspecting in my younger days, 
I deemed him worthy, spoke of him with praise, 
Accepted favors, and with him alone 
In pathless forests rambled far from home, 
And, playful, artless, leaned upon his arm. 
That kindness, I presume, did all the harm. 
Though social with him , familiar} Never ! 
I cherish'd only what my will could sever — 



CANTO THE FIRST. 15 

A childish friendship, form'd in foolish pride, 
Pleased with devotion, careless if denied, 
Coldness toward me, a smile to others near, 
Disturb'd me not, nor caused a sigh nor tear. 

(O hallowed moments in life's golden spring ! 

And, now remembered, mournful sadness bring.) 
At last faint whispers, startling, met my ear 
Of deeds unmanly in Marcel's career. 
Instant, with firmness, I repulsed him then, 
Nor him would see, nor sentence from his pen. 
And yet, reluctant to believe him base, 
Our worthy pastor tried all means to trace, 
At my request, that censure to its source, 
But failed, nor found in him the least remorse. 
So always cautious, so composed with man, 
No looks betray him ; and, howe'er you scan 
His marble visage, none can truly tell 
Its thoughtful import, or be calm so well 



1 6 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

When prying converse, artful in its aim, 
The dark suspicion mingles with his name." 

VII. 

" Dwell not," said Clifton, " on a theme to thee 
So fraught with sadness, and so scorned by me ; 
The leafless Winter, with its frozen sky 
Of lowering clouds, and tempests howling by, 
Hath passed away, and blooming Spring once more 
With life and verdure decks the landscape o'er. 
Like it, Elflora, rouse thy joyous mind, 
What can be hopeless to a heart resigned 
And sternly trustful ? Future days shall bring 
To thee a calmness — ay, an inward Spring. 
The little violet, nestling on the rock, 
Will bloom secure when forests feel the shock 
Of strong tornadoes, and their giant frames 
In shattered fragments strew unshaded plains ; 



CANTO THE FIRST. 1 7 

Its form so fragile will outlive the storm, 

And for that shelter long those cliffs adorn. 

Come, the violet imitate, and bless my home, 

My pleasant mansion, now, alas ! too lone, 

And ever will be till thine eye and smile 

Illume its halls and all my hours beguile. 

Give me the right to sympathize with thee 

In sickness and in sorrow, and to be 

Thy solace in all trying scenes of life, 

Thy dearest shield in Marcel's subtle strife ; 

And thou shalt be, in all our walks of joy, 

A happy child, and I thy darling boy." 

A moment coloring, she returned his gaze, 

That steady look a sincere love betrays ; 

That glance, peculiar to her own dark eye, 

Most eloquent, proclaimed her heart's reply ; 

Through loosened ringlets, clustering round her face, 

A grateful tear the ardent youth could trace, 
2* B 



1 8 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

And, half caressing as he clasped her hand, 
He seemed by gratitude almost unmanned. 

VIII. 

" Ills come with time," said he, " then why delay 
Our promised union till some distant day ? 
The threatened danger that enthralls thee now 
Argues this eve should consummate thy vow. 
To-night, with Howard, I will seek thy home ; 
Our reverend sire shall witness it alone." 

" To-night ? to-night ?" exclaimed the startled maid. 

"Anonly parent claims my love, my aid; 
Our union now she firmly would oppose ; 
I know her thoughts ; thy wish must not disclose. 
'Twould pain her feelings, agonize her mind, 
Pour fire on wounds my love, my words, should bind. 
Yet thou art favored ; only wait, I pray, 
For her dear sake, a more propitious day. 



CANTO THE FIRST. 1 9 

Peaceful while single — death if e'er I wed, 
Was Edward's threat: that threat is now her dread." 
" Never," said Clifton, " will the villain dare 
To mar a happiness he cannot share. 
This eve our nuptials must take place ; and now 
I ask but this, thy sanction to that vow ; 
And trust my wisdom to arrange a plan 
That none shall know except the holy man. 
Rememberest thou the old majestic ash 
Whose boughs were shivered by the lightning's flash, 
And standing now in ruins, lonely, high, 
With dead-leafed arms outstretched across the sky ? 
To-night in secret to that shelter come ; 
A moon will fill the heavens when day is done ; 
Our pastor's quiet home thou knowest is near, 
And he will welcome us with friendly cheer. 
His aid and service we can always claim ; 
The marriage from the world he will retain." 



20 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

IX. 

Pleasing to themselves, all Nature pleasing, 
Elflora and her friend the shades are leaving, 
The sunless grove ; no living object near 
Save songsters chattering to each loved compeer- 
The wren, the jay, the brownly-spotted thrush, 
The warblers dyed like evening's parting flush — 
Enliven still Seclusion's favorite place, 
Some twittering joyous ; others gayly chase 
Their little comrades on from limb to limb, 
Or through the air, vociferous, lightly skim, 
Till life and love, re-echoed, fill the wood 
Which man miscalls a lonely solitude. 
But mark ! the birds are dashing far and fleet, 
The leaves, the air, with rapid wings they beat, 
And skyward soar affrighted wildly, shriek. 
What being roused them in that calm retreat ? 



CANTO THE FIRST. 21 

In creviced rock who dare, leaf-shrouded, lay, 
Like warrior armed, perchance prepared to slay ? 
Can it be true ? It is indeed Marcel 
Who rises there, where naught of ill should dwell. 
His haughty features, broadening to a sneer, 
Disclose a spirit warped by wild career, 
Maddened by love, by disappointment scarred, 
Hardened by crime, by midnight revel marred. 
His kindling wrath repulsive looks enhance 
To grimness stern, as scornful scowls his glance, 
As muttered words reveal the sullen joy 
The purposed vengeance which his thoughts employ : 
" I too remember the majestic ash 
Shattered and shivered by the lightning's flash, 
And by that Power, by Heaven, I swear 
To-night, poor orphan, I will meet you there — 
By subtle arts, if not by merit, gain 
Your heart and hand, perhaps your wealth obtain ; 



22 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

And while your soul, incarnate, deigns to be, 

No human might shall wrench your form from me. 

But come, come, evening ; passion's storm, sleep calm ; 

Triumphant conquest soon shall bring me balm ; 

My plan, projected to ensnare the maid, 

Though baffled now, the coming night will aid." 

He ceased, and like the silent, single cloud 

Which flings o'er heaven's blue its blackening shroud, 

Passed down the glen, and slowly moves away, 

And in that wood there seems a brighter day. 

X. 

Elflora's mansion stands in quietude ; 

No foes disturb, no noisy guests intrude ; 

The windows, raised, admit the shine of day, 

And glass and massive carved-work catch the ray, 

Reflect it o'er the walls, diffuse, unite, 

Till all the room with yellow beams is light. 



CANTO THE FIRST. 23 

The opening rosebuds, late arranged with care. 

And watered fresh, with fragrance fill the air, 

And, scattering sweetness, w r oo the wandering bees, 

Which come, and, pilfering, wave those tiny trees 

Like gentle zephyrs ; and that motion's all 

Which stirs within the maiden's lonely hall. 

Once more she comes, and noiseless crossed the room, 

A moment viewed the buds' unfolding bloom, 

A moment grasped a favorite volume nigh, 

Fluttered its leaves, then tossed the treasure by; 

Then seized a crayon, plucked a pencilled rose 

She partly shaded ere last eve's repose, 

Contracts her brow, and bending fixed her look ; 

But dropped the gem, no quietude could brook. 

Her thoughts were music, floating fast and free, 

Wild warbling forth in tenderest melody. 

But, hark ! A voice hath breathed Elflora's name. 

How sudden still, how marble-like, that frame! 



24 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

A pure regard, a troubled, anxious air, 

And pale solicitude's expression there ; 

Now, winged by love, her steps to chamber glide, 

And kneels her by an aged mother's side. 

O youth ! how envied in thy heart's career 

When words shall greet thee half as fond and dear 

As those sweet breathings of that filial maid 

Which to her parent warmly proffered aid ! 

That parent ! Oh behold her faded eye 

Suffused with tears, affection's mute reply, 

And hand, slight trembling, on her daughter's hair 

In kind approval of her pious care ! 

Those features, furrowed by the lapse of time, 

Show youthful sweetness now in deep decline ; 

So light and gently fell the power of years 

That only in her form their force appears. 

What hallowed fortune blessed her troubled day 

To feel not weary as it passed away ? 



CANTO THE FIRST. 25 

Love, ever constant, from her only child, 
Her sorrows soothed and all her cares beguiled, 
And made her happy. Though almost alone, 
A calm contentment always marks her home, 
In close communion with one spotless heart 
Has peace no other ties could e'er impart. 

XI. 

" My child, a pure and deep regard for thee 

Solicits care. My mind, from fears not free, 

Dwells painful on a troubled slumber's dream. 

And oh how awful, how confused, that scene ! 

Strange sounds, strange voices, broke upon my ear ; 

Beings unknown, but oh not thou, wert here. 

I called thy name, I watched the opening door ; 

Others then entered, but thou cam'st no more. 

How T still, how lonely, everything appears ! 

Now speak, my child ; can these be idle fears ? 
3 



26 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Tell me thou wilt not leave me here alone ; 
Forego thy visit, and this night at home 
Remain with me, my only cherished dear ; 
But two days since the Howards all were here. 
What cause, what motive, can impel thy mind, 
When I against it am so much inclined ?" 
" My dearest mother, grieve not thus ; we know 
Consent thou gavest scarce one hour ago. 
The dreamy slumber of this afternoon 
Should not, dear mother, fill thy heart with gloom. 
All dreams are shadows, to thee however bad, 
And life without them brings enough that's sad. 
How short thy slumber ! See, the cloudless sun 
Is shining here as when thy rest begun ; 
Be tranquil now, and court more sweet repose, 
And I will watch till sleep thine eyelids close. 
Rest is essential to thy weary mind ; 
Composure calm will make thee more resigned." 



CANTO THE FIRST. 2J 

" My own, my daughter, thou hast ne'er before 
Beyond my slightest wish e'er ventured more. 
So kind and gentle, every act and prayer 
Seemed interested in thy mother's care ; 
Yet now my vital welfare claims regard ; 
My counsel canst thou thus this day discard ?" 
Elflora listened with profound regret ; 
In tones of mild and soothing language met 
The prudent doubts maternal fondness gave, 
And tried by every means her fears to waive. 
And yet she told not of that nuptial deed 
The night would witness should her hopes succeed ; 
But tenderly with love, and doubly kind, 
And to her wish appearing all resign'd, 
With woman's tact and art she gently drew 
A full consent to all she wished to do ; 
Except the marriage, which must not be known 
Beyond the study of her pastor's home. 



CANTO THE SECOND. 

I. 

TT THILE yonder sun illumes with level ray, 

* * While robes of gold the grand old hills display, 
The shadows lengthening on the plains extend, 
The cooler airs with day diffusely blend, 
The towering clouds in crimson mountains rise, 

And, 'sembling Etnas, flame one half the skies. 

■ 

But now they change, the shifting vapors fade ; 

O'er all the landscape fast descends their shade ; 

A moment sparkling gleams the setting sun, 

And sinking now, the halcyon day is done. 

The stars are brightening in the blue above, 

And beautify the walks endeared to love ; 

The songs are hushed ; the vales and hills in view, 

By evening shadowed, pale their verdant hue ; 
28 



CANTO THE SECOND. 29 

The air, reposing, yields its ardent light, 
The full-orbed moon in glory forms the night. 

II. 

Through pathless fields, by faithful woodman led, 

By branching thorn, by wild-rose thickly spread, 

By cliffs and scattered rocks, o'er whispering rills, 

By fragrant groves, that gloom the silent hills, 

Now turning, and now bending to evade 

The drooping limbs 'neath which her childhood played, 

Elflora reached the plain, and saw the tree, 

Dark, standing lone like sail-reefed ship at sea. 

The feeble outlines of a human form 

Cast a pale figure far across the lawn, 

And moving stealthy, sheltered in the shade 

The huge trunk in silver moonlight made. 

The bride beheld it, and with waving hand 

And gentle whisper, stern though sweetly bland, 
3* 



30 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Dismissed her guidesman, and pursued her way 

Athwart the plain, whose paths seemed lit by day, 

So bright the verdure that around her lay, 

So cloudless clear the orb's refulgent ray. 

Now on that person whom the light revealed, 

But whose disguise a cunning foe concealed, 

She leans reposing, and her quiet air 

Betrays no fear that Clifton is not there. 

And they are silent, moving toward the wood ; 

But why — why looks she not where late they stood ? 

Confiding innocent ! mistrustless one ! 

Believing all her sorrows nearly done, 

Lightly and buoyant down the sloping way 

She glides like snow that falls on fire to lay. 

III. 

The forest verge is gained, and hidden now 
By shadows flung from many a massive bough, 



CANTO THE SECOND. 3 1 

They pause. Marcel kneels down with searching eye, 
Anxious to scrutinize all objects nigh ; 
A figure, CLiFTON-like, is dimly seen, 
Approaching fast where they had lately been — 
Not recognized, but moving in faint view 
Between him and the pale horizon's hue. 
He fancied that dark form can only be 
The one from whom it would be wise to flee, 
And caught the maiden's arm to lead her on, 
Sought the dense shades, and noiseless passed along, 
Till now through tangled wood he wends their course, 
Down a steep bluff, through rustling brambles force, 
Sliding, sustained by limbs and shrubs around, 
Some bending breakless, some uproot the ground, 
Endangering by the worthless aid they lend, 
. Like counsel false obtained from faithless friend. 
Stern Nature's gloomy castles now are near, 
Cliffs, grandly towering above cliffs, appear, 



32 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

With laurel interspersed, and pillared firm 

By giant trees ; the vine and woodland fern 

Spring greenly there amidst the grayer moss, 

And wreathed in folds the massive crags emboss. 

Once more they paused. A cavern's secret door 

Is seen, when logs and stone that closed it o'er 

Marcel removed, and part exposed to view, 

In rock, the dismal entrance riven through. 

Elflora, trembling, instant turned aside, 

Averse to enter e'en w T ith favorite guide ; 

And when he urged her on against her will, 

She felt through every nerve a shuddering chill, 

And backward stept, alone some course to take, 

And gazed to see what thence might be her fate. 

While undecided still her guide led on ; 

She sighed, and, yielding, followed, and they're gone 

In the dark cave which penetrates the hill. 

Now rough, now smooth their walk ; they stand ; all's still. 



CANTO THE SECOND. 33 

Then through the cavern instant flashed a light, 
And Marcel's features burst upon her sight. 
Wildly she shrieked, and fell, but, falling, found 
An arm of strength entwined her waist around, 
And laid her lightly on a pallet near 
Of otter furs outspread on skins of deer. 

IV. 

The youth a moment stood, then turned away, 

And left the maiden ; motionless she la}', 

Not breathing, or so gently that her breath 

Scarce told that fearful stillness was not death. 

But soon life's fountain redly flushed again ; 

The lips and features moved ; some color came ; 

And, slowly rising, now a single hand 

Supports that frame almost too shocked to stand. 

Surprised, bewildered, far around she gazed. 

What is that scene that thus perplex'd, amazed ? 

C 



34 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

The torch refulgent sheds a golden light, 

On every object gleams intensely bright, 

And pictures forth the aisle, the dome, the shrine, 

Their cast of grandeur, every carved outline, 

And pillared halls whose lofty roof o'ershrouds 

With gorgeous arches, 'sembling silver'd clouds 

Of massive volume seen in summer sky, 

When piled in banks the radiant vapors lie ; 

The curtains rich, while in their breezy flow 

Seem changed to stone and hang like drifts of snow, 

Reflecting broad, in star-like lustre there, 

The flame, whose brightness glows beside the fair. 

The spacious cavern high and far extends, 

And where yon hall the light with darkness blends, 

Columns on columns, rising, faintly loom, 

Dimly discerned amidst the dusky gloom. 

But different to Elflora's startled view 

Those objects seem— of lifelike form and hue. 



CANTO THE SECOND. 35 

Marcel she deemed was there, and when she saw 
Him thus disguised, and every wild outlaw 
That followed him, and form'd his reckless band, 
And ghost-like glimmering, and around him stand, 
No Clifton there, and no chivalric arm 
Near to protect, and proud to shield her form, 
Tears came, and language of despair intrude, 
Which proved her firmness more than half subdued. 

V. 

A sounding tread now echo'd in the rear, 
And from without, advancing fast and near, 
The villain comes ; surprised, the maiden sees 
No demon frowns, but smiles awaked to please. 
" Fear not," said he ; " though in this lonely cave, 
Thou hast a soul to make Marcel thy slave. 
I brought thee hither, anxious to reveal 
One truth my heart, though iron, must ever feel. 



$6 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Behold my features ! Ay, look on me now : 
My callous feelings cloud my youthful brow. 
Despised and spurn'd by one I deem'd my friend, 
Reckless of life and careless of my end, 
A slander'd victim, sentenced though unheard, 
And thou — how faithless ! — ne'er repelled that word. 
I am no villain, am not even bad, 
And comrades vile — great God ! — I never had ; 
So, pure in thought, I am prepared to die ; 
Yet this to thee, thy friends will dare deny ; 
They have o'erreach'd me, have estranged thy heart ; 
But sleepless cunning now unfolds her art, 
For thou art captive, and thy friends shall hear 
The shout of conquest and behold my sneer !" 
At this Elflora, with indignant pride, 
And rising full, with frowning glance replied : 
" Marcel, that language, breathed to give me pain, 
Forbear, ungrateful ! Dq I merit blame ? 



CANTO THE SECOND. 37 

Do not my feelings, all my actions, show 
A sister's sorrow ? Darest thou answer, ' No ' ? 
If that be fiction once against thee hurled, 
With truth, poor coward, undeceive the world ; 
Retrieve thy honor ; prove thy motions pure ; 
Assume that station talents can secure, 
And teach mankind one noble lesson yet — 
Thy clouded star shall not in darkness set. 
Away with folly ! cease of love to dream ! 
Thy name, dishonor'd, go, once more redeem." 

VI. 

" Elflora, dearest (frown not at the word ; 

Thou shalt be mine, the time not long deferr'd), 

However glorious, however grand, 

To wake the soul and bid it proudly stand 

Among the immortals ever known, 

A god in mind that time can ne'er dethrone, 
4 



38 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

All would be naught, a nothingness, to me, 

A lifeless chaos, if unblest by thee. 

The dark-eyed daughters of chivalric Spain, 

And all of Grecia's honor'd old domain, 

The maidens of Italia's rosy land, 

The dames who tread Circassian lofty strand, 

The noble Briton, and the Frank less free, 

Whose stars of beauty burn beyond the sea, 

Do not possess, in form nor earthly shrine, 

A soul whose flashes lighten brows like thine." 

VII. 

" Enough ! enough ! for all that thou canst say," 

Exclaim'd the maiden as she turned away, 
" Shall not avail thee, never change my mind, 

Though servile praises be with force combined. 

I do disdain thee, and I fear thee not ; 

I scorn thy homage, I despise this plot. 



CANTO THE SECOND. 39 

Stand back ! hands off! I am not in thy power ! 

Alone I am not in this trying hour. 

In God I trust : I know that he is here, 

And will protect me if I have no fear ; 

For ever paralyzed that hand shall be 

If laid with passion's dark intent on me." 

VIII. 

The villain paled, then slowly paced the room, 
Now near the light, and now in distant gloom, 
And, frowning sullen, gazed upon the floor, 
The haughty maiden, and the cavern-door, 
As though his feelings held wild war within, 
Now swayed by terror, now beguiled by sin. 
While thus his passions jarr'd in deep contrive, 
He left the prisoner, buried, yet alive ; 
But, pausing, closed the cave with artful care, 
Then gazed till satisfied no spy was there ; 



40 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Then, muttering to himself, he forced his way 

In that straight course he knew her mansion lay. 

Short was the time till on his eager view 

Light fill'd the windows, brighten'd, then withdrew, 

As though the inmates pass'd from room to room 

With all that hurry caused by mental gloom. 

Near now, and almost there, he plainly saw 

They talk'd perchance of him, the wild outlaw ; 

He reck'd not what they said, but boldly sprung 

Up the old steps and stood that crowd among, 

Which widen'd speechless, and with steady eye 

Watch'd his, that flash'd a moment to defy, 

Then gather'd quickly to a smile of scorn, 

Which proved at once with whom the bride had gone. 

Soon round the culprit press'd the closing crowd, 

And silence broke in voices censuring loud, 

And, waking justice roused in every breast, 

They soon, with iron hands his form arrest, 



CANTO THE SECOND. 41 

With cords immediate tensely bind each limb, 
With prudent forethought weapons wrest from him, 
And, over-cautious, as they pass'd him by, 
Kept a close watch upon his hand and eye, 
And barr'd the doors and closed the shutters to, 
Lest his associates might the broil renew. 
So strange, so startling, all his late career, 
So wrapt in mystery, so involved the sphere 
In which he triumph'd since exiled from home, 
That wild conjecture filled the void unknown, 
And whisper'd ominous to condemn Marcel : 
" Behold his forehead, gash'd by sword or shell, 
And mark his bearing, watch his kindling eye, 
When cannon-thunder booms along the sky." 



IX. 



The prostrate captive, though disarm'd and bound, 

Now raised his eye and quiet gazed around, 
4* 



42 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Until his searching glance met Clifton's ; then 

A shout and laugh which shock'd the crowd of men 

Broke from his lip, and told at last too well 

No threats could conquer and no arm could quell, 

Unless they silenced him by sudden death, 

Or stifled with strong hand his venom'd breath. 

" You have my weapons/' then he coolly said ; 

" Now stab my heart or shoot me through the head ; 
Commit at once the wished-for homicide. 
Why stand reluctant ? Can it kill the bride ? 
Ay, dare to do it ! She shall feel the blow, 
For where she slumbers you shall never know. 
She is imprisoned in a secret cave 
Where not a hand but mine her life can save ; 
No food to nourish, and no water near, 
She dies if these mean cords detain me here. 
But not unconscious will she yield her breath : 
Old Time, remorseless, shall behold stern Death 



CANTO THE SECOND. 43 

Deep waste her form and wear her strength away, 
Till 'feebled Nature scarce hath power to pray ; 
Then loathsome vermin will from creviced wall 
Steal forth, and coldly o'er her features crawl, 
And she shall feel them, try to scare in vain ; 
They undisturbed will stay, and, gnawing, pain. 
Unloose me now, or by that cave I swear 
As now she shall remain, shall perish there !" 

X. 

The pause which followed open'd to the ear 

Deep groans of anguish in the chamber near, 

So rending to the heart all rush'd within 

And saw the ruin wrought by giant Sin. 

They loosed Marcel, and, holding, brought him nigh ; 

That sight which fill'd with tears each manly eye 

He coldly gazed upon, perchance with hate, 

Believing she half caused his gloomy fate. 



44 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Raised on her couch by those who near her stand, 
The feeble being stretched her fleshless hand 
And grasped Marcel's, and, trembling, mildly said, 
" Can this be thee ? is all thy virtue fled ? 
Oh no, it is not. Give me back my child! 
Oh, Edward ! is thy manhood all exiled ? 
Too often thou hast seen her soothing care, 
How dear she was, how warmly she would share 
The little toils my daily comforts ask 
From those who deem'd their watch a weary task ; 
Night after night, all-anxious, near me stay 
When servants, coldly kind, would steal away, 
Regardless of their charge, and only come 
When gentler hands their little rites had done. 
It seems but yesterday — dear happy hours ! — 
Her infant form in grove and garden-bowers 
Play'd round me, artless, wild with joyous glee, 
Careless of all care, from every sorrow free, 



CANTO THE SECOND. 45 

Till all at once my little infant grew 

The guardian angel hopeful Fancy drew. 

And must I lose her now ? is such pure worth 

Rewarded only by the thorns of earth ? 

Be generous, please ! I ask it with a prayer, 

And bless the hand that will my daughter spare." 

XL 

In thoughtful silence Marcel turned aside, 
And from the chamber stept with humbled pride, 
And by a window sat, and propp'd his hand 
Against his brow, whilst others, gazing, stand. 
Then Howard, keenly anxious to restrain 
The storm of passion and the bride regain, 
Now spoke so kindly to that shattered heart, 
In tones meek goodness only can impart, 
That he was summoned to be seated nigh 
By meaning glance of Edward's shaded eye. 



46 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

" My friend and pastor," then replied Marcel, 
" Thy words revive me ; thou hast counselled well. 
Now to Elflora come, and feel no fear ; 
By daylight, I presume, she can be here. 
It is her wish, to-night, to have thee there, 
And I alone to her must not repair. 
Do not, I pray, decline her last appeal 
When life demands it ; this thou canst but feel. 
I must acknowledge that I could not see 
Elflora's parent when she gazed on me, 
But my poor mother rose before my eye 
In that last sleep in which I saw her die. 
It hath unmanned me, hath so chilled my frame 
A deathlike faintness now unnerves my brain. 
I ask one moment of my early years ; 
My deep-wrought feelings need relief in tears, 
But they refuse my heart that calm repose 
So pure, so grateful, when the tear-drop flows." 



CANTO THE SECOND. 47 

He ceased, and rose to leave and lead the way, 
But voice imploring now prolongs his stay, 
Called to the chamber ; Howard stands alone, 
With Clifton near him, who in whispered tone 
Talk of the danger of their absent friend, 
And offer plans that might perchance extend 
Relief, though transient, till the early dawn 
Revealed to them the course the bride had gone. 

"What fatal rashness," then the pastor said, 

"To be by him to that lone cavern led ! 
For well I understand his dark design ; 
But wisdom may suggest to not decline ; 
There might some unexpected means arise, 
Some unforeseen event, to aid surprise. 
Perhaps, like huntsmen, I could mark the track ; 
A limb snapped here and there, while wandering back, 
Among the leaves would whiten in the sun, 
And you that splintered path might find, and come." 



48 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Then Clifton answer'd, " Do, my noble friend, 
Accompany thus ; by every means extend 
Relief and comfort to that spotless love, 
And soon as morning dawns yon hills above 
I'll rush to save you, search and find the cave, 
With strong associates, comrades true and brave." 
The hall with others Edward enter'd now ; 
Some change seem'd wrought upon his iron brow ; 
But, whispering sternly in his rival's ear, 
He utter'd words that Howard must not hear : 
" Return my weapons ! Dare to watch my path, 
The bride shall famish, you shall feel my wrath." 

XII. 

The purest hopes induced the aged sire 
The offer to accept ; while they retire 
Despair and sorrow paint with deeper gloom 
The looks of those who linger in that room, 



CANTO THE SECOND. 49 

Inactive, cautious, lest they might defeat 
By steps imprudent plans with risks replete. 
One spoke regretful that they did not slay, 
Or keep the culprit firmly chain'd till day, 
And boldly promised to uproot the wilds, 
The hills and valleys, and all deep defiles, 
But he would find her, and securely save 
From demon hands, and bear her from the cave. 
Others, excited less, made calm reply : 

" While that was being done the bride would die." 

" Then why not force the robber to reveal 

The place by burning brand or bleeding steel ? 

His poniard's point I would have gently prest, 

Then harder, still more hard, against his breast, 

And threaten'd to the hilt to plunge the blade ; 

We might, all doubtless, thus have gained the maid." 

But one acquainted long with stern Marcel, 

Said, " Mildness, and not force, can only quell." 
5 E> 



50 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

While thus too loudly flow'd each useless word, 
Within the chamber dying groans were heard, 
And those who coldly watch'd the glazing eye 
Whisper, " Ere dawns the day, think not she'll die ?" 




CANTO THE THIRD. 

I. 

ONCE more we leave the mansion and its guests, 
And in that cave in which Elflora rests 
Behold her prostrate, slumbering, all alone, 
Her hair neglected, furs half round her thrown, 
The tears undried, the frowning features pale, 
The wreck of dreams — the dreams that still prevail. 
The lips, slow moving, mark a troubled sleep, 
She sighs, again is wrapt in slumbers deep, 
And now more loud, more heavy, breathing makes, 
And now, in one convulsive start, awakes, 
Looks round her with a wild, distracted air, 
A moment silent, and then kneels in prayer, 

While o'er her forehead droop dark locks of hair. 

5i 



52 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Her trustful language, breathed in mellow'd tone, 
Falls not unheard ; she is not now alone : 
Unnoticed by Elflora, softly come 
Her friends, now resting till the prayer is done. 

II. 

The maiden rose, and dried the grateful tear 
Which fill'd her eye, and gazed, but not with fear, 
Upon those forms approaching near her now, 
Though one had malice stamp'd upon his brow. 
Her lofty spirit had resign'd its fate, 
And stood serenely calm'd, resolved to wait 
With unchanged mind the dark, uncertain doom, 
Which hope, though nightless, scarcely could illume. 
One glance of kindness an her friend she threw, 
But in that look no smile beam'd forth to view ; 
The settled stillness of her feeling heart 
To features snowy pale no gleams impart 



CANTO THE THIRD. S3 

Of that warm welcome which in early days 
Oft wing'd her step along the flowery ways, 
When in the forest she beheld his form 
Coming like sunlight through an evening storm. 

III. 

With sullen calmness, glancing at the bride, 
Marcel in silence proudly by her side 
Now placed himself, and grasp'd her trembling hand, 
And cool, though earnest, issued his command 
To Howard, standing mute in meekness by, 
But who the mandate heard without reply. 
" My friend," said he, " I brought thee here to-night 
With honest intent and a sense of right, 
That by thine office thou may'st end the strife 
Which threatens now an aged parent's life. 
Now, marry us at once, and legally too ; 

Speak out ! do quickly what thou hast to do ! 

5* 



54 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Or die in darkness, starved within this cave, 

And all alone, where not a hand can save, 

Where all thy time untold shall pass away, 

Where never more shalt thou behold the day. 

The task is easy ; what we both require, 

This reconciling act, is her desire ; 

This sacrifice she is prepared to make, 

This very hour, for her dear mother's sake. — 

Silence, Elflora ! Wilt thou dare decline ? 

What must be must be, and thou shalt be mine ! 

When we are married, and from Clifton free, 

A model husband I intend to be." 

The youth, resolving that the nuptial rite 

Should be accomplish'd ere the short-lived night 

Could lift its mantle and reveal the den 

To search untiring of relentless men, 

Now aimed his weapon at the pastor's.breast, 

And, grimly frowning, urged his dark request 



CANTO THE THIRD. 55 

With such wild gestures, such o'erwhelming scorn, 
Few could withstand it or live out the storm. 
Yet Howard was calm ; the mildness seen before 
The aged pastor's prayerful features wore 
As he, unconscious, seemed to pass away 
In thought and spirit to those realms of day 
Where saints are resting, and where never cease 
That life whose pastime mars no holy peace. 
The bride, with eye on his, hath inly caught 
The inspiring tone his trustful feelings wrought, 
And stands unshaken, with an air and mien 
Of stern composure equal to the scene, 
And loosed at once the hand that held her arm, 
And lean'd, though lightly, on her pastor's form. 
Once more the ruffian, roused to foaming wrath, 
Satanic fury hurls 'round Beauty's path ; 
Yet, undisturb'd, the maiden dared to smile, 
Sustain'd by steadfast faith against his guile. 



56 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

The villain, trembling, now approach'd more near ; 

His arms re-priming to excite their fear, 

A moment on them drew unerring aim, 

Then, sharply wheeling, at the torchlight flame 

Discharged the weapon, and the shatter'd fire 

To cinders flash'd ; and as the sparks expire 

A sudden darkness, deeper than the gloom 

Of midnight tempests when there shines no moon, 

Pervades the cavern, render d doubly drear 

By echoes far roll'd back from echoes near, 

Like bolts of thunder shaking Summer's sky, 

Or crash of woods when winds are howling by. 

IV. 

Marcel advanced and clasp'd around the waist 
The startled beauty, and with caution traced 
Those gloomy chambers to the distant door, 
And moved so noiseless as the bride he bore, 



CANTO THE THIRD. 57 

Emerging outward, that the aged sire 

All guidance lost as fast their steps retire, 

And he remains immured within the cave — 

His home in future, soon perchance his grave. 

And now the cavern firmly once again 

Is closed ; unopened it may 'long remain. 

And this Marcel accomplished with a care 

That filled Elflora's heart with wild despair. 

Once more his arm encircled hers with force, 

And downward toward the stream he turns their course, 

Through woods so rugged that the flying deer 

Would pause for shelter there, and feel no fear. 

The boughs above them and the cliffs around, 

The lonely hour, the silence so profound 

(Save the monotonous and constant roar 

The river sent in thunder to the shore), 

Fell on the maiden's heart, and swept away 

A transient moment all the ills of day ; 



58 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

But ever and anon they came in view, 

And left upon her brow an icy dew. 

Yet hope of rescue half sustains the bride, 

And cautious glances cast from side to side 

By him who leads her plainly now reveal 

He fears those riven crags her friends conceal. 

With weapon ready and with noiseless tread, 

With hand on hers, he gently leans his head, 

And, often pausing, with nice care surveys 

Each moving bramble which the light wind sways. 

Old trunks of shatter'd trees, that branchless stood 

Like spectres peering through the darksome wood, 

Proud oaks, prostrate by the power of Time, 

High rocks, grotesque and capped with creeping vine, 

Seem living forms by troubled Fancy's aid 

As scatter'd moonlight fitful on them play'd. 

But, ever watchful, with a steady hand 

To execute his selfish heart's command, 



CANTO THE THIRD. 59 

He moves as fearless to the river-shore 

As ever hero Freedom's standard bore, 

Though in the forest, in each darken'd glen, 

His guilty conscience sees unflinching men, 

Whose faithful rifle in the deadly strife 

Leaves nothing living when it aims at life. 

At last in safety on a giant rock 

That turns the stream, nor trembles at the shock, 

They stand, and, speechless, far around survey 

The rough, wild scene, and wilder waters' play, 

For there the Susquehanna rolls along 

A boisterous current, clear yet pouring strong. 

V. 

The youth now shoved in view an oarless boat, 
And moor'd it near them, on the surge afloat, 
And instant in it placed the captive bride, 
And to her questions strangely calm replied : 



60 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

" Thy fate, Elflora, who shall ever mark ? 
Alone and friendless in this fragile bark, 
I soon shall launch thee on the foaming spray, 
Where none can rescue to entomb thy clay, 
But hungry fish of thee will make their meal 
Ere scarce thy drowning form hath ceased to feel. 
And hast thou courage in this hopeless hour 
Death thus to meet, and yet possess the power 
To change my purpose and establish peace ? 
Now pledge thy honor, and this plot shall cease, 
To love me always, or at least to live 
With me as mine, if love thou canst not give. 
Dare to refuse me, I will seek thy home 
When thou art gone, and by false words alone 
Entice young Clifton to the secret cave 
Where Howard lingers my imprisoned slave, 
And there, redeemless, with thine aged friend 
His joys, his sorrows, and his life shall end. 



CANTO THE THIRD. 6 1 

Thy friendless mother (such she then will be) — 
Ay, now thou tremblest, and perchance may see 
Some sacrifice to her pure love is due 
If thou wouldst not thy hand with blood imbrue." 

VI. 

Her doom the maiden heard with tearless eye, 
And mark'd composure showed in her reply : 

" Peace, peace I will not purchase, nor my life, 
Nor partial freedom, in this shameful strife 
By sacrifice of right, in which I trust, 
When conscience tells me it would not be just. 
This hour have I no friend to rescue me ? 
Look round you, and behold in every tree, 

• In every leaf, in every flower that blooms, 

In every atom that the plant consumes, 

In every star, in every ponderous world, 

In every ray of light by suns unfurl'd, 
6 



62 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

In air, in lightning, in the restless sea, 

God was, and is, and hence shall ever be, 

Owning all space, pervading every sphere ; 

And, to my heart, so ever sheltering near. 

Marcel, my soul is safe : I have no fear ; 

My trust, my faith in God, will save me here. 

If I must perish, if my hour hath come, 

Tis His high will, not thine, poor wretch ! when done." 

Marcel, perceiving by her earnest tone, 

Which spoke her feelings more than words had shown, 

How vain, how hopeless, every subtle art 

To win or conquer that unshaken heart, 

Now shoved the vessel, and it dashed away 

Athwart the billows, bounding 'midst the spray, 

Which rocks opposing burst to sparkling foam 

As whirl'd the currents, sidelong swiftly thrown, 

Like gliding serpents wreathing round their path, 

And backward curling with envenom'd wrath. 



CANTO THE THIRD. 63 

The skiff that bore her seem'd a shatter'd speck, 
And the wild waters, dark without the wreck, 
Appear'd to bear her fast and far away, 
As she, apparent, prostrate on them lay. 
And as the distance shrouded all from view, 
Save mist and vapors form'd for morning's dew, 
And waving rapids that roll'd madly on, 
The villain, musing, murmur'd, " She is gone !" 

VII. 

In restless mood he breathed a heavy sigh, 
With scanning glance surveyed each object nigh, 
Then hastening upward on the hill's incline, 
From rock to rock, with hand from limb to vine, 
From many a pendent branch accepting aid, 
He gained a level crown'd with younger shade, 
Some distance from the fatal scene. And now 
He leaves the forest, feels upon his brow 



64 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

The zephyr's balm, which swept the fields and bring 

The lavish fragrance shed by rosy Spring. 

Through the bright moonlight, on the flower'd lawn, 

Near the ash tree, appears a moving form 

Engaged intently with a strolling pack 

Of faithful dogs that search for some lost track. 

With step more cautious Edward crossed the plain, 

And unperceived upon the huntsman came, 

And seized his arm with such an iron grasp 

That Clifton started with a sudden gasp. 

VIII. 

" Did I not warn thee, if you sought the cave 
Or dared to watch me, there was naught could save 
The bride from vengeance, should you chance to find 
The place or cavern where she lives enshrined ? 
Yet mark this effort : here are dogs that know 
The tread of maiden from her manly foe, 



CANTO THE THIRD. 6$ 

And now may lead you, like some human guide, 

The path, though printless, where I led the bride. 

I see the motive, and the project laid 

That shout or whistle shall bring to your aid 

Intrepid huntsmen, who are even now 

Concealed in numbers on yon wooded brow ; 

I saw them there, and thought that I could trace 

The form or features of some well-known face. 

They did not see me ; nay, and it was well ; 

I might have sent them howling through the dell, 

Or laid them lifeless with my pistol-ball, 

Nor left one witness to record their fall. 

All this is useless, since I come to crave 

That you will join us in the secret cave, 

That we together may adjust our cause, 

And shield my errors from the outraged laws ; 

For which I give thee thy unsullied bride, 

Still spotless pure, still worthy of thy pride. 
6* E 



66 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

But all must pledge me by a solemn oath 
A lasting friendship, that I may in both 
Thyself and pastor find sufficient aid 
The law's stern justice rightly to evade. 
The noble Howard, ever meaning well, 
Hath kindly bound him always to repel 
The groundless slanders Envy cast on me, 
And asks all friends to sanction his decree." 

IX. 

"Although imprudent, and perchance unwise, 
To credit language which I should despise, 
I will to see them venture in the cave, 
Yet grant no promise such as that you crave 
Before our meeting. And I ought to know 
What cause, what circumstance, hath made my foe 
So very gentle and his words so bland. 
Most certain, something hath thy soul unmanned, 



CANTO THE THIRD. 6j 

And changed affection for the friendless maid 
To selfish interest since she was betrayed." 

"There is, and thou shalt hear it," said Marcel. 

" Thou knowest Elflora — ay, perchance too well— 
The soothing sweetness of her quiet way ; 
But only rouse her or infringe her sway, 
Provoke her feelings, cross her stubborn will, 
There's not a panther prowling on yon hill 
But I would rather fondle to reclaim 
To gentle loving than that fiery dame. 
If you such creatures can domesticate, 
Come get her, and God help thee and thy fate !" 

X. 

'Twas nearly day as downward through the wood 
They bent their course, though every object stood 
Iii all that shadowed loveliness of night 
Which rests on earth when planets all are bright — 



68 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

When clouds are only scatter'd far and few, 

Making the clear a purer, deeper blue. 

Such was that balmy morn ; the setting moon, 

Half down the west, was near her mountain-tomb ; 

The winds were still, the birds not yet in song, 

v 
And all was silent, as they moved along 

Through forests gilded by the level ray, 

Which slept on leaves and cliffs that walled their way. 

While slow they walked by crags and giant trees, 

There came a sound, so like the whispering breeze 

That none but Clifton, haply listening, caught 

The low-breathed murmur, and its meaning sought 

By hurried glance around and through the shade, 

Where Night and Silence seemed in slumber laid. 

And there a form he saw approaching near 

With cautious step, perchance controlled by fear. 

The moon a glory round her features threw 

As she in breathless quiet nearer drew, 



CANTO THE THIRD. 69 

And stood so still, so pale, that Death seemed there ; 
Nor corse nor statue ever shone more fair. 

" Behold that madman !" then exclaimed the bride. 

" In oarless vessel, on yon river's tide, 
He dared to launch me from the rugged shore, 
The sport of waters, whose uneven floor 
Too well he knows is formed of countless rock, 
That skiff, unmanned, cannot escape their shock. 
Yet God, all potent, turned it in a cove, 
And waved it gently by a pendent grove ; 
I grasped a limb, and slowly dragged the boat 
Where still it lies, half grounded, half afloat, 
On a sand-shore, beneath the eagle's tree ; 
I left it there, and now once more am free !" 

XI. 

The villain stood confounded and amazed ; 
His eye to Clifton's slow and sullen raised, 



70 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

But sudden turned him from that lightning gaze, 
As though he caught the sun's unclouded blaze. 
A child, though feeble, now might grasp his hand 
And hold him captive, e'en assume command 
By cautious language o'er that cowering youth, 
So shamed, so withered by the voice of truth, 
His brute-like passions were subdued to sleep ; 
A nerveless tremor o'er him seem'd to creep ; 
An icy moisture gathered on his brow ; 
A woman's mildness might control him now 
With gentle accents, careful to convey 
No word imprudent to prolong the sway. 
But Clifton carries his protecting arms ; 
His dirk, his pistol, have peculiar charms, 
And why not use them 'gainst his mortal foe ? 
He wished to conquer ; why the chance forego ? 
He aimed the weapon at his rival's breast, 
And shouted, " Stand, sir ! I at once arrest ! 



CANTO THE THIRD. 7 1 

One single move, one act to rescue, try, 
That very moment, dastard wretch ! you die ! 
Kneel at my feet ! Obey ! I bid you kneel, 
Or crashing shot this instant flashing feel !" 

XII. 
Like rising tempest lit by sheets of fire, 
The culprit reddened, and the kindling ire 
Curled his proud lip and surged and heaved his frame, 
Till from his features flashed a battle-flame. 
So startling sudden burst his strength in storm 
That Clifton scarcely could an act perform 
Before the dagger, threatening, o'er him swung 
The moment that his weapon aimless rung. 
Now breast to breast, and each armed hand to hand, 
They strike and swerver, now advance and stand. 
Each gleaming poniard drips with smoking blood, 
From either bosom spouts the sanguine flood ; 



72 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

That dash a channel carves across the cheek ; 
The villain bleeds when he essays to speak. 
But now a passage of that practised foe 
Disarms the other, who but foils each blow 
By Nature's weapons and by manly strength; 
But, staggering near, his death seems fixed at length. 
" This instant, Clifton, seals at last thy doom ; 
To respite thee high Heaven hath no boon," 
Exclaimed the ruffian as he raised his dirk, 
With passion trembling, to complete the work. 
Elflora, where art thou this fearful hour ? 
For safety dost thou seek some hidden bower ? 
Ah no ! She watches with unfaltering eye 
A time to interpose, and, stepping nigh, 
Her shawl she opened, every fold outspread, 
With dauntless courage wrapped the villain's head. 
1 Down o'er his arms the silken garment droops ; 
His eyes are dark, his hand makes aimless swoops, 



CANTO THE THIRD. 73 

And ere his struggles can remove that veil 
A rock's sharp fragment, such as strew the dale, 
Young Clifton grasped, and then with fatal aim 
The hooded culprit stretched upon the plain. 
They snatch the cover from his quivering face ; 
He lies so still he seems in Death's embrace. 
Just where the forehead joins his raven hair 
The blood is bubbling and the skull is bare ; 
So wide the gash you may perceive the stone, 
So strongly hurled, hath crashed the solid bone. 

XIII. 

The strife's last echo scarce had lull'd away 
Ere three armed huntsmen sprang to join the fray 
From out the forest, and behind their train 
The peaceful Howard, hurrying onward, came, 
And hailed them promptly, lest to vengeful deed, 

In their excitement, they should dare proceed. 

7 



74 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

But all was quiet when he reached the scene, 
And scarce a movement where so late had been 
The wild contention and the strokes for life, 
The clash of weapons, and the knife to knife. 
The ground was crimsoned, and the bloody grass 
Was bruised and matted, crush'd by many a pass 
Of feet now fettered by approaching death, 
Now strongly struggling in the gasp for breath. 

XIV. 

Elflora wept, and leaned against the arm 
Of him whose counsel and whose manly form 
Was now essential to sustain her there, 
Her fears to soothe, her painful charge to share. 
She told, though briefly, all that late had passed — 
The launch, the perils, and her walk when cast 
Alone at midnight on the trackless shore — 
And all the trials that she nobly bore 



CANTO THE THIRD. 75 

To aid them both, and then to foil Marcel, 

Whose purpose, threatening, he had dared to 

tell; 
And now, self-censured, she expressed remorse 
That all her efforts seemed of death the source. 

" Not thine the fault ! Oh no, dear faithful bride ! 
But love of arms," the sacred sire replied — 

* The coward's shield, which virtue casts aside. 
Ah me ! how often have I warned thy friend 
That trust in weapons must in failure end ! 
What human being could have rescued me 
Save Edward, whom I could not hope to see ? 
Who else in time could find that secret cave ? 
And yet I felt that God my life would save. 
With strong reliance, with undoubting trust, 
That in this life He ne'er forsakes the just, 
I sat me down and calm'd to peace my mind, 
And to His will with joy my fate resigned ; 



?6 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

And then to me was opened exit clear ; 

It is enough that I am safely here. 

And now assistance is by these required, 

Once more this subject, if again desired, 

I will resume when we have less to do ; 

Our friend revives ; his foe seems better too. — 

Kind huntsman, lend thine hand, and with thy aid 

I think this youth, with care, may be conveyed 

To his own dwelling, while we leave the rest 

To wait on Marcel till his wounds are drest, 

And if not able then to walk or stand, 

They will of course extend a welcome hand 

To bear him home, and then provide with care 

The aid and comfort he may need when there." 

XV. 

Assent to this request was made by all, 
And two are left to answer Edward's call, 



CANTO THE THIRD. J7 

While those with Clifton carefully move away, 

Nor mark the actions of the men who stay. 

One grasped a vine and tensely bound each limb, 

The other shook the foe, rough-handling him, 

To see if conscience was enough restored 

To feel the torture which they held in hoard, 

And grimly chuckled to perceive his eye 

By glance and motion gave a mute reply ; 

Then, turning to his comrade, coolly said, 

" I fear the prisoner will too soon be dead. 

Suppose we lynch him while we know he lives, 

And reap the pleasure vengeance always gives 

To those whose hatred of such evil ways 

Compel the hangman to cut short their days ? 

Could we be censured should we now embark 

His fettered person in the selfsame ark 

In which he placed the unoffending bride ? 

His fate, like hers, his god may then decide." 
7* 



78 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

" Ay, that will do, but now 'tis nearly day ; 
Some one may rescue should he hold his way 
Till sunlight ; therefore shoulder up that side 
The burden ; thus between us we'll divide. 
Hold fast ! grip firmer ! There ! now close your fist- 
The one that's under — and I'll grasp your wrist. 
Ay, now we have him ; if he will not walk, 
His feet may draggle." Thus drawled in their talk 
While bearing Marcel roughly through the wood 
To where the vessel, still half grounded, stood. 
The captive raised at last his drooping head, 
Became collected, and with effort said : 

" I know that money hath secured your aid, 
You bloody scoundrels of the blackest grade ! 
Bribed to defame me, you have hourly sought 
My life, my ruin, and ye flinched at naught 
That might accomplish this, his fixed design. 
Ye sons of Judas ! born to rot in crime, 



CANTO THE THIRD. 79 

Go, get the wages fiends should blush to hold, 

The blood-stained guineas of his bribing gold, 

And then — then into everlasting fire 

Depart, ye cursed ! ye can climb no higher !" 

The nettled woodsmen answered in reply 

That all he said was one ungodly lie, 

And they could prove it. But their way was queer : 

They cuffed and shook him till the proof was clear; 

And then, by this time having reached the boat, 

In it they placed him, and when well afloat, 

Let go the vessel as it felt the wave, 

And as the last long shove to it they gave, 

A loud farewell in scorn they sent the foe. 

Then died Marcel ? or lived ? Who cares to know ? 

XVI. 

The welcome morning breaks broad up the sky ; 
The birds rejoice ; the fluttering leaves reply, 



80 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Sprinkling moisture bright as showers of snow, 

Which zephyrs scatter as they whirl below ; 

The orb ascending, warmer beams his light ; 

The winds are freshening ; forests feel their might, 

And fling their thousand banners to the breeze ; 

And clouds, like icebergs of the Arctic seas, 

Float the deep blue and proudly bear away, 

Till heat congenial fills the home of day. 

The cliffs are passed ; the openings through the wood 

Reveal the mansion, shining where it stood, 

With tossing shadows on its eastward side, 

And windows sparkling when those shades divide. 

The eager huntsmen cross the vale between 

With lively voice and step, now tread the green, 

And pass the portals of the open door. 

The chamber gained, what lay their eyes before ? 

The parent prostrate ! Ay, and cold and dead, 

Though hours but few had waned since breathing fled ; 



CANTO THE THIRD. 8 1 

And near the couch, with outstretched hand and arm, 
With looks of anguish fixed upon that form, 
Elflora stood, as stands the chiselled rock, 
Pallid and tranced by that heartrending shock ; 
And in her dark and moveless eye appears 
A grief too deep for words and too intense for tears. 
At last a painful shudder flushed her brain, 
And language of remorseful import came : 
" No more, no more the object of my care ! 
Oh this, O Heaven ! must I learn to bear ?" 

XVII. 

Day after day the bride, in mournful thought, 

Her darkened chamber's deep seclusion sought, 

And there in secret oft implored in prayer 

That her apparent disregard of care 

Might be forgiven, and her watchful grief 

Be soothed by hope and find in tears relief. 

F 



82 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

'Tis done ! Her nature ere that season passed 
Reaction feels, and peace triumphs at last, 
Suffusing calmness o'er her clearing brow, 
And where it gloomed a smile is radiant now. 
The youth, recovered, meets his blooming bride ; 
In her old hall they stand, now side by side ; 
The pastor speaks, proclaims that they are one, 
And prays to Go.d to bless the deed now done. 
But ere he leaves them, with his calm blue eye 
On Clifton fixed, to claim for his reply 
Attention mute to words to him addressed, 
His admonition kind he thus expressed : 
" A woman's love ! Its home within thy heart, 
What angel joys, what peace, it can impart ! 
In cot or castle it will shine the same, 
And yield contentment in its magic reign, 
Toil, sickness, sorrow in thine earthly home 
Its worth celestial make more purely known. 



CANTO THE THIRD. 83 

Then cherish always her whom Nature's laws 

Hath bound to thee and made thine own her cause. 

Tis Wisdom's counsel. Addle-brained are they 

Whom stranger beauty e'er beguiles astray ; 

Perfect kindness hath almighty power 

On earth, in weary life's eventful hour, 

To tranquillize the heart, the human soul, 

And calm the passions into firm control. 

Oh, then be gentle in thy walk through life ; 

With kindest accents always greet the wife ; 

Then she will grow more happy every day, 

And smile on trouble till it fades away. 

The brightest gem, the grandest gift to man, 

Since toil for comfort in this world began, 

Is woman — noble, loving, faithful, true, 

In all she does, in all she ought to do, 

If man by kindness only will impart 

That strength which lifts to Heaven her trusting heart.' , 



84 ELFLORA OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

XVIII. 

The Spring departs ; the Summer suns are high ; 
Heat fills the air, and dazzling light the sky ; 
Seasons on seasons roll their shades away ; 
Shrubs rise to trees, and trees themselves decay. 
The change of Nature and the winds and rains 
Relentless come, and scarce one mark remains 
Of that old mansion, save a crumbling pile 
Of logs, which nourish insects that defile ; 
But as they moulder down to dust and earth, 
Their darkening richness gives luxuriant birth 
To briers and brambles and the wreathing vine, 
Which, rising fast, around the ruins twine. 




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